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Research Article
Governance Quality and Economic Performance in Arab Countries: An Empirical Evidence
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
1-15
Received:
8 December 2025
Accepted:
22 December 2025
Published:
19 January 2026
Abstract: The Arab world's economy has grown slowly and erratically during the previous two decades. Comparative scholars and practitioners of development policy contend that governance is a fundamental condition for economic growth, and many attribute the Arab World's growth slowdown to weak governance performance. This study empirically investigates the impact of governance quality on economic growth in a sample of 12 Arab countries over the period 2013–2020, a phase marked by significant economic, political, and institutional challenges following the Arab Spring. While the governance–growth nexus has been extensively examined in the international literature, empirical evidence focusing specifically on Arab economies remains limited and often relies on broad regional samples or static estimation techniques. To address this gap, the study employs a dynamic panel data approach using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator, which allows for controlling endogeneity, unobserved heterogeneity, and the dynamic nature of economic growth. Governance quality is captured through two key dimensions—regulatory quality and the rule of law—reflecting the effectiveness of policy formulation, contract enforcement, and institutional credibility. Economic growth is measured by real GDP per capita growth, while a set of control variables is included to account for macroeconomic and structural factors. The empirical results reveal that both regulatory quality and the rule of law exert a positive and statistically significant effect on economic growth across the sampled Arab countries. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening institutional frameworks, improving regulatory environments, and enhancing legal systems to support sustainable economic performance. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing region-specific evidence for Arab economies during the post–Arab Spring period and offers policy-relevant insights that can assist decision-makers in designing targeted governance reforms aimed at fostering long-term economic growth.
Abstract: The Arab world's economy has grown slowly and erratically during the previous two decades. Comparative scholars and practitioners of development policy contend that governance is a fundamental condition for economic growth, and many attribute the Arab World's growth slowdown to weak governance performance. This study empirically investigates the im...
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Research Article
Assessment of Gender Disparities on Access to Agricultural Resources in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Olusola Bunmi Adegbuyiro*
,
Rufus Sunday Owoeye
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
16-23
Received:
4 March 2026
Accepted:
13 March 2026
Published:
12 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jwer.20261501.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This study assessed gender disparities on access to agricultural resources in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Specifically, the research analyzed the socio-economic characteristics of women farmers, identified the extent of gender-based differences in resource access, assessed the factors influencing women’s access to agricultural resources, and evaluated how these disparities affect their livelihoods. Data were collected from sampled women farmers and analyzed using descriptive statistics, percentages, means, Probit regression, and OLS regression models. The findings revealed that the farmers are predominantly in their active and productive years, with an average age of 42.6 years, moderate household size of 6 people, and an average farming experience of 12 years. Most of the farmers are married (68.9%) and smallholders, cultivating an average farm size of 2.1 hectares. Although a fair proportion had at least primary (26.7%) or secondary education (33.7%), 20% of the respondents had no formal education. Result on gender disparities in accessing agricultural resources revealed that women face significant disadvantages in accessing land (46.7%), credit (40%), extension services (33.3%), farm inputs (46.7%), technology (44.4%), and markets (73.3%) compared to their male counterparts. The widest gaps were observed in land ownership, technology access, and market participation, confirming that systemic and institutional barriers continue to marginalize women in agriculture. The regression results further established that education, income, access to credit, extension services, membership in farm organizations, and access to market information were the most significant factors influencing farmers’ access to agricultural resources. Also, the OLS result showed that disparities in education, land ownership, credit availability, market access, and technology adoption significantly undermine women’s agricultural livelihoods. Conversely, access to these resources was positively and strongly associated with improved agricultural income and welfare.
Abstract: This study assessed gender disparities on access to agricultural resources in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Specifically, the research analyzed the socio-economic characteristics of women farmers, identified the extent of gender-based differences in resource access, assessed the factors influencing women’s access to agricultural resources, and evaluated ho...
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Research Article
Middle Powers in Contemporary Geopolitics: Strategic Influence and the Developmental Dilemma of the Bottom Billion
Ukpong Uwem Johnson*
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
24-41
Received:
27 March 2026
Accepted:
16 April 2026
Published:
14 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jwer.20261501.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The evolving multipolar international system has enhanced the significance of middle powers in global governance and development, particularly in addressing the persistent challenges faced by the “bottom billion,” populations trapped in extreme poverty and structural disadvantage. Middle powers—states with moderate economic, military, and diplomatic capacities—leverage soft power, multilateralism, and norm entrepreneurship to influence international outcomes disproportionate to their material capabilities. This study examines the intersection of middle power diplomacy and development engagement, with a focus on how these states contribute to the economic, social, and institutional advancement of bottom billion countries, particularly in Africa and other emerging economies. Using a qualitative research design based on secondary sources—including academic journals, policy reports, and international organisation publications—a thematic and comparative analysis is employed to evaluate the strategies, limitations, and impacts of middle power engagement. The findings highlight that middle powers facilitate South–South cooperation, technology transfer, infrastructure development, peacekeeping, and advocacy for institutional reform, creating enabling environments for sustainable development. However, their influence is constrained by systemic hierarchies, domestic capacity limitations, competition from great powers, and the entrenched structural challenges within recipient countries. For African and emerging economies, strategic partnerships with middle powers offer opportunities to accelerate growth, enhance governance, and strengthen regional influence, provided they are integrated with domestic reforms and long-term development plans. The study concludes that middle powers act as critical catalysts for development and regional stability, demonstrating the potential of collaborative, context-sensitive diplomacy to address global inequalities while fostering a more inclusive and multipolar world order.
Abstract: The evolving multipolar international system has enhanced the significance of middle powers in global governance and development, particularly in addressing the persistent challenges faced by the “bottom billion,” populations trapped in extreme poverty and structural disadvantage. Middle powers—states with moderate economic, military, and diplomati...
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